Readers' Favorite Journey Discoveries of The Past Year: Hidden Gems Worldwide
Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers disclosed their most memorable finds from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, a traveler wondered about their selection. However the first doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement presents more than a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through beautiful public squares and cobbled passageways lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots offer crisp pastries and drinks with friendly welcome.
Vintage Sounds in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club is a lot of fun. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to allow for space to dance. Operating late, the bar occasionally hosts live music, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a peaceful getaway. Guests may walk to the summit of a slope and climb a giant wooden lookout for breathtaking panoramas over verdant fields. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants offering robust fare and music. A museum displays the work of a prolific naive artist, and the main area has several medicinal water fountains to try.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. With several beautiful white sand beaches, its bustling center thrives nightly with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location provided a more authentic experience at a much lower of the cost. A hotel featured convenient access to the beach and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb excursion from a nearby city. However, this service is said to be at risk of being closed. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to ride this special line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The countryside is beautiful, with shores, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently demolished during the Crimean War. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This secret world provides expansive views, marine life offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The path meanders along marshes next to an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels lie. A walk can start at a ancient chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and finish in a quaint town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip features many switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing excellent vistas. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, by car. The route also includes the potential for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a vibrant city transports people to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, guests stroll along historic roads lined with grand mansions. The feel is slow, with time broken by resident cats and chances to gaze back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually spent planning ideas for a future return to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a historic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains numerous of magnificent books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features exquisite old maps and
